How to File for a Federal Tax ID Number
- 1). Visit the IRS website for federal tax numbers. Click the "Apply Online Now" link near the bottom of the page. The Employer Identification Number assistant page will appear. Click the "Begin Application" button.
- 2). Select what type of legal structure, business or organization you are creating, such as a corporation, estate, sole proprietor, partnership or a limited liability company. Click "View additional types" if none of these structures apply. Click "Continue." You can choose from additional types on the next page and then click "Continue" if you selected "View additional types."
- 3). Select the specifics of your legal structure, business or organization from the list of options. For example, if you selected a corporation, you must select what type of corporation, such as a personal service corporation, S-Corporation or a general corporation. Each option has a description next to it. Click "Continue" once you've made your choice, and click "Continue" again on the following page to confirm your decision.
- 4). Choose a reason why you are creating the legal structure, business or organization from the list of options, such as "Start a new business," "Hire employees," or "Banking purposes." Click "Continue."
- 5). Select whether an individual or existing party is responsible for the legal structure, business or organization and click "Continue." Enter the requested information to authenticate your legal structure, business or organization, such as entering your personal information if you selected "Individual" or the business name and business EIN if you selected "Existing party." Click "Continue."
- 6). Enter the address of where the legal structure, business or organization is located and click "Continue." Confirm your address and click "Continue."
- 7). Follow the onscreen instructions in the "Details" section. The instructions differ depending on whether you are applying for a federal tax ID number for a business, organization or legal structure. For example, the application will ask you more questions if you are applying for a EIN for a corporation than sole proprietorship. Answer the questions and click "Continue." When you are finished answering all the questions, the EIN Confirmation page will appear.
- 8). Select whether you wish to receive the EIN by mail or online. Mail delivery can take up to four weeks, whereas online confirmation is instant. You can print out your EIN when you receive the confirmation. Click "Continue."
- 9). Click "Confirm EIN." You will receive confirmation via a PDF document on the following page if your EIN is granted. If it is not, then it is most likely because the IRS could not verify your information due to a typo or false information. You can apply again if your EIN is not granted.
